The NaturePlus Forums will be offline from mid August 2018. The content has been saved and it will always be possible to see and refer to archived posts, but not to post new items. This decision has been made in light of technical problems with the forum, which cannot be fixed or upgraded.

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to the very great success of the forums and to the community spirit there. We plan to create new community features and services in the future so please watch this space for developments in this area. In the meantime if you have any questions then please email:

While back at Scott Base there is some work to do at Discovery Hut, Hut Point, McMurdo Sound. Discovery Hut was built in 1902 by Captain Scott's party. It was designed by Professor Gregory and prefabricated by James Moore before being brought south by ship. It's almost square with a veranda running around three sides. Unfortunately, although the walls were insulated with felt, it was still very cold and very difficult to keep warm. This led to the ship, (Discovery) moored approx. one kilometre away being used for the first year as living quarters and the hut being used predominately as a large store room. During the second year, occasionally a party would sleep inside, but no bunks or permanent sleeping quarters were ever erected.

The Trust is planning to start conservation work on Discovery Hut during the Antarctic summer of 2013/14. This season, one of the tasks on the work list, was for Martin and I to survey the external and internal windows in order for them to be conserved next season. Conserving these windows will help stop snow from entering the building and causing further damage. It only takes one small crack somewhere in the hut to allow snow to enter, and very quickly you have a huge pile of snow. There is a lot of work to be completed before the hut is secure and weather tight.